A Comprehensive Guide to IB School Admissions | IB学校申请全面指南

📚 A Comprehensive Guide to IB School Admissions | IB学校申请全面指南

Applying to an International Baccalaureate (IB) school is a significant step that can shape a student’s academic future. Whether you are considering the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), Diploma Programme (DP), or Career-related Programme (CP), understanding the admissions process is essential. This guide walks you through every stage — from selecting the right school to submitting a competitive application and navigating interviews and assessments. By the end, you will have a clear roadmap to help your child gain entry into a world-class IB institution.

申请国际文凭（IB）学校是影响学生学术未来的重要一步。无论您考虑的是小学项目（PYP）、中学项目（MYP）、文凭项目（DP）还是职业相关项目（CP），了解申请流程至关重要。本指南将带您走过每一个阶段——从选择合适的学校，到提交有竞争力的申请，再到应对面试和评估。读完后，您将有一条清晰的路线图，帮助您的孩子进入一流的IB学府。

1. Understanding the IB Education System | 理解IB教育体系

Before diving into applications, it is crucial to understand the four IB programmes and the age groups they serve. The IB continuum promotes inquiry-based learning, critical thinking, and global awareness, which differs significantly from many national curricula.

在深入申请之前，理解四个IB项目及其所服务的年龄组至关重要。IB连续统一体倡导探究式学习、批判性思维和全球意识，这与许多国家课程有很大不同。

The table below summarises the key features of each IB programme.

以下表格总结了每个IB项目的主要特点。

Programme	项目	Age Range	年龄范围	Focus	重点
PYP	小学项目	3 – 12 years	3 – 12岁	Transdisciplinary learning	超学科学习
MYP	中学项目	11 – 16 years	11 – 16岁	Interdisciplinary connections	跨学科联系
DP	文凭项目	16 – 19 years	16 – 19岁	Academic rigour + Core	学术严格性 + 核心课程
CP	职业相关项目	16 – 19 years	16 – 19岁	Career-focused + DP courses	职业导向 + DP课程

Many IB schools do not offer all four programmes. Verify that the school you are targeting runs the specific programme your child needs, and note that the transition between programmes often requires a separate application.

许多IB学校并不提供全部四个项目。请确认您所选择的学校是否开设孩子需要的特定项目，并注意项目之间的过渡通常需要单独申请。

2. Types of IB Schools and How to Choose | IB学校的类型与选择

IB schools can be private, state-funded, or international, each with distinct admission criteria. Knowing the differences helps you narrow down options that match your family’s situation and educational philosophy.

IB学校可以是私立、公立或国际学校，每类都有不同的录取标准。了解这些差异有助于您缩小选择范围，找到与家庭情况和教育理念匹配的学校。

Private IB schools often have selective admissions and require entrance exams, prior school reports, and interviews. They might also have waiting lists, so early application is strongly recommended.

私立IB学校通常有选拔性录取，要求入学考试、以往学校报告和面试。它们也可能有候补名单，因此强烈建议尽早申请。

State-funded IB schools (available in some countries) may use catchment areas or lottery systems, but still evaluate academic readiness. International IB schools cater to expatriate communities and may prioritise students with diverse language backgrounds.

公立IB学校（在一些国家存在）可能采用划片或抽签制度，但仍会评估学术准备情况。国际IB学校服务于外籍人士社区，可能会优先考虑具有多元语言背景的学生。

When choosing, consider the school’s IB results, language of instruction, extracurricular offerings, and the student support available. Visiting open days and talking to current families can provide invaluable insight.

选择时，请考虑学校的IB成绩、教学语言、课外活动以及可用的学生支持。参加开放日并与当前家庭交流，可以提供宝贵的见解。

Check accreditation: Ensure the school is an authorised IB World School, not just an “IB candidate” school. 核查认证：确保学校是经过授权的IB世界学校，而不仅仅是“IB候选”学校。
Review the learner profile: Does the school actively foster the IB learner profile traits? 审视学习者培养目标：学校是否积极培养IB学习者特质？

3. Key Timelines and Deadlines | 申请时间线与截止日期

Missing a deadline can derail the entire application. Most IB schools run on an academic calendar starting in August or September, with admissions opening as early as the preceding October or November.

错过截止日期可能使整个申请脱轨。大多数IB学校按照八月或九月开始的学年日历运作，招生最早可能在前一年的十月或十一月就开始了。

A typical timeline looks like this:

一个典型的时间线如下：

Stage	阶段	Period	时间
Research and shortlisting	调研与初选	12 – 18 months before entry	入学前12 – 18个月
Application submission	提交申请	October – January (for Aug/Sept entry)	十月 – 一月（针对八/九月入学）
Entrance exams / assessments	入学考试/评估	November – February	十一月 – 二月
Interviews	面试	December – March	十二月 – 三月
Offer letters	录取通知	March – April	三月 – 四月

Some highly selective IB schools have a rolling admissions process, but even then, spaces fill quickly. Create a spreadsheet with each school’s deadlines, required documents, and test dates to stay organised.

一些竞争激烈的IB学校采用滚动录取，但即便如此，名额也会很快填满。创建一个电子表格，列出每所学校的截止日期、所需文件以及考试日期，以保持有条不紊。

4. Application Documents You Must Prepare | 必须准备的申请文件

A strong application package demonstrates academic achievement, character, and alignment with the IB philosophy. Incomplete paperwork is one of the most common reasons for rejection at the initial stage.

一份强有力的申请材料应当展示出学术成就、品格以及与IB理念的契合。文件不完整是初审阶段被拒的最常见原因之一。

Typically, the following documents are required:

通常需要以下文件：

School reports/transcripts for the last 2-3 years (translated into the school’s language of instruction if needed). 过去2-3年的学校报告/成绩单（如需，需翻译成学校的教学语言）。
Recommendation letters from current teachers, ideally noting the student’s inquiry skills and collaborative nature. 推荐信，由现任老师撰写，最好能提及学生的探究能力和合作精神。
Copy of passport or birth certificate. 护照或出生证明复印件。
Completed application form, often online, including personal details and emergency contacts. 填妥的申请表，通常在线填写，包含个人信息和紧急联系人。
Application fee (non-refundable). 申请费（不退）。

Some schools also ask for a student-written personal statement or a portfolio of work, particularly for MYP and DP entry. Start gathering these early and ensure everything is certified where necessary.

一些学校还会要求学生撰写的个人陈述或作品集，尤其是申请MYP和DP入学时。请尽早开始准备这些材料，并确保在必要时进行认证。

5. Entrance Exams and Assessments | 入学考试与评估

Most IB schools use standardised or school-specific assessments to evaluate readiness. The format varies by age group and programme, but typically includes tests in English, mathematics, and sometimes a second language or reasoning.

大多数IB学校使用标准化或学校特定的评估来考察学生的准备情况。形式因年龄组和项目而异，但通常包括英语、数学，有时还有第二语言或推理测试。

Common assessments include:

常见的评估包括：

CAT4 (Cognitive Abilities Test): Measures verbal, non-verbal, quantitative, and spatial reasoning. CAT4（认知能力测试）：衡量言语、非言语、数量及空间推理能力。
MAP (Measures of Academic Progress): Adaptive tests in reading, language usage, and mathematics. MAP（学业进步测试）：阅读、语言运用和数学的自适应测试。
School-designed exams in English writing and maths problem-solving. 学校自行设计的考试，内容包括英语写作和数学问题解决。

For younger children entering PYP, assessment often occurs through observational play-based sessions rather than written exams. Schools look for curiosity, communication skills, and social interaction.

对于进入PYP的年幼孩子，评估通常通过基于游戏的观察环节进行，而非笔试。学校关注的是好奇心、沟通技巧和社交互动。

Prepare your child by familiarising them with test formats, but avoid cramming. The IB values genuine understanding and a love for learning; coaching that produces rote answers can backfire in interviews.

通过让孩子熟悉考试题型来帮助准备，但切忌填鸭式灌输。IB看重的是真正的理解力和对学习的热爱；产生死记硬背式回答的培训可能会在面试中适得其反。

6. Mastering the Interview | 面试成功技巧

Interviews allow admissions staff to gauge whether a student’s mindset aligns with the IB learner profile. Both student and parent interviews may be conducted, sometimes together, sometimes separately.

面试使招生人员能够评估学生的心态是否与IB学习者培养目标一致。学生和家长的面试都可能进行，有时一起，有时分开。

For students, expect questions such as ‘Why do you want to join this school?’ or ‘Tell us about a project you enjoyed.’ They should be ready to discuss their interests, books they have read, and how they approach challenges.

对于学生，可以预期的问题诸如“你为什么想加入这所学校？”或“给我们讲讲你做过的一个感兴趣的项目”。他们应准备好讨论自己的兴趣爱好、读过的书籍以及应对挑战的方式。

Parents may be asked about their educational philosophy and how they support learning at home. Emphasise values that resonate with the IB, such as independent inquiry, respect for diversity, and a balanced lifestyle.

家长可能会被问及他们的教育理念以及如何在家中支持学习。要强调与IB共鸣的价值观，如独立探究、尊重多样性和平衡的生活方式。

Top tips for interview success:

面试成功的顶级建议：

Arrive early, dress neatly but comfortably, and remind the child to make eye contact. 提前到达，着装整洁但舒适，并提醒孩子进行目光交流。
Practice active listening and discourage rehearsed speeches. 练习积极倾听，不鼓励背诵式的发言。
Encourage the child to ask thoughtful questions about the school’s CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) or TOK (Theory of Knowledge) elements if they are older. 如果孩子年龄较大，鼓励他们就学校的CAS（创造、活动与服务）或TOK（知识论）等内容提出有深度的问题。

7. English Language Proficiency Requirements | 英语语言能力要求

Since most IB schools use English as the medium of instruction, strong English skills are non-negotiable. Schools often require proof of proficiency unless the student comes from an English-speaking background or has studied in English for several years.

由于大多数IB学校以英语为教学媒介，扎实的英语技能是必要条件。除非学生来自英语背景或已在英语环境下学习数年，否则学校通常要求提供能力证明。

Accepted standardised tests and typical minimum scores for DP entry:

被认可的标准化考试及DP入学的典型最低分数：

Test	考试	Minimum Typical Score
TOEFL iBT	托福网考	80 – 100
IELTS Academic	雅思学术类	5.5 – 6.5
Cambridge English	剑桥英语	B2 First (FCE) or higher

Some schools may waive the test if the student has recently achieved strong grades in English from a recognised international curriculum. Check each school’s specific policy, and if scores are below the requirement, consider an intensive English programme before applying.

如果学生最近在公认的国际课程中取得了优秀的英语成绩，有些学校可能会免除考试。请检查每所学校的具体政策，如果分数低于要求，可考虑在申请前参加一项英语强化课程。

8. Personal Statements and Extracurricular Activities | 个人陈述与课外活动

For MYP and DP applications, a personal statement is often the deciding factor between equally qualified candidates. It should reflect genuine passion, self-awareness, and a connection to the IB mission.

对于MYP和DP申请，个人陈述往往是决定同等资历候选人胜负的因素。它应反映出真正的热情、自我认知以及与IB使命的连接。

Guide the student to write about not just achievements, but also failures and what they learned. A compelling statement might discuss how leading a community service project changed their perspective on sustainability or how overcoming a language barrier sparked resilience.

引导学生不仅要写成就，还要写失败以及由此学到的东西。一篇引人入胜的陈述可以谈论领导一个社区服务项目如何改变了他们对可持续发展的看法，或克服语言障碍如何激发了韧性。

Extracurricular activities matter, but quality outweighs quantity. Highlight activities that showcase creativity, physical activity, or community engagement — the three strands of IB CAS. For example, playing an instrument, participation in a sports team, or volunteering at a local shelter.

课外活动很重要，但质量胜于数量。要突出展示创造力、体育活动或社区参与的活动——这正是IB CAS的三个分支。例如，演奏乐器、参加体育团队或在当地收容所做志愿者。

Provide a well-organised resume or activity list, but ensure the personal statement connects the dots, explaining why these experiences matter to the student’s growth.

提供一份条理清晰的简历或活动清单，但要确保个人陈述能串联起来，解释这些经历为何对学生的成长重要。

9. Financial Aid and Scholarships | 经济资助与奖学金

IB school fees can be substantial, especially at private international institutions. Many schools offer need-based financial aid or merit-based scholarships to attract outstanding students. Research these options early, as deadlines often precede the admission deadline.

IB学校的费用可能相当高，尤其是在私立国际学校。许多学校提供基于需求的经济资助或基于优秀的奖学金，以吸引优秀学生。请尽早研究这些选项，因为它们的截止日期往往在入学申请截止之前。

Typical scholarship categories include:

典型的奖学金类别包括：

Academic excellence scholarships for students with top entrance exam scores and stellar grades. 学业优秀奖学金，授予入学考试成绩顶尖且成绩优异的学生。
Bilingual or multilingual scholarships for students demonstrating high proficiency in two or more languages. 双语或多语奖学金，授予在两种或以上语言中展现出高水平能力的学生。
Community service scholarships for those with exceptional engagement in volunteer work. 社区服务奖学金，授予在志愿服务方面有卓越参与度的学生。

Prepare supporting documents such as tax returns, pay stubs, or a statement of need. In some cases, a separate essay is required. Be honest and thorough; incomplete financial applications often delay the offer.

准备支持性文件，如纳税申报单、工资单或需求声明。某些情况下，还需要单独写一篇文章。要诚实且详尽；不完整的经济资助申请通常会延迟录取通知。

10. After Receiving the Offer: What to Do Next | 收到录取通知后该怎么做

Congratulations — but the process isn’t over. Accept the offer by the deadline stated in the letter, which may involve signing an enrolment contract and paying a deposit. Delaying could mean losing the spot to a waitlisted candidate.

恭喜——但流程尚未结束。请在录取通知书上所述的截止日期前接受录取，这可能涉及签署入学合同并支付押金。延迟可能意味着将名额让给候补名单上的候选人。

If the child is waitlisted, respond politely expressing continued interest and, if appropriate, provide updated grades or additional recommendation letters. Some schools reassess waitlisted students again in May or June.

如果孩子被列入候补名单，礼貌地回复表达持续的兴趣，并在适当时提供更新的成绩或其他推荐信。一些学校会在五月或六月对候补学生进行重新评估。

For international students, apply for the appropriate student visa immediately, as processing can take months. The school’s admission office often provides the necessary documentation, such as the letter of acceptance.

对于国际学生，请立即申请相应的学生签证，因为办理可能需要几个月。学校的招生办公室通常会提供必要的文件，如录取通知书。

Finally, attend any orientation sessions, purchase uniforms, and review the IB curriculum overview to help the student hit the ground running. Establish routines for homework and home language support well before the first day.

最后，参加任何新生指导活动，购买校服，并阅读IB课程概览，以帮助学生顺利起步。在开学第一天之前，尽早建立家庭作业和家庭语言支持的日常习惯。

11. Frequently Asked Questions | 常见问题解答

Q: Can a student join an IB school in the middle of a programme?
A: It is possible but challenging. Most schools prefer mid-entry into PYP or early MYP. For DP, entry in the second year is extremely rare due to the integrated curriculum and internal assessments.

问：学生能否在项目中途加入IB学校？
答：有可能，但具有挑战性。大多数学校更倾向于在PYP或MYP初期接收插班生。对于DP，由于综合课程和内部评估的要求，第二年的插班极为罕见。

Q: Are there any age flexibility rules for IB programmes?
A: The IB sets age guidelines, but individual schools may exercise discretion, especially for students who have repeated or skipped a grade. Consult the admissions office directly.

问：IB项目对年龄有弹性规定吗？
答：IB设定了年龄指南，但个别学校可能会酌情处理，特别是对于曾留级或跳级的学生。请直接咨询招生办公室。

Q: How important is the parent interview compared to the student’s performance?
A: It varies. In many schools, the parent interview is a holistic check to ensure family values align with the school’s. In others, it carries equal weight. Always take it seriously.

问：家长面试相比学生表现有多重要？
答：视情况而定。在许多学校，家长面试是一项整体性考察，以确保家庭价值观与学校一致。在另一些学校，它则同等重要。请务必认真对待。

12. Final Thoughts and Recommendations | 总结与建议

The IB school admissions journey demands organisation, authenticity, and patience. Start early, stay true to your child’s strengths, and use each interaction — be it a school tour, an exam, or an interview — as an opportunity to learn more about the school community.

IB学校申请过程需要条理、真诚和耐心。尽早开始，始终忠于孩子的优势，并利用每一次互动——无论是学校参观、考试还是面试——作为进一步了解学校社区的机会。

Remember that the right IB school is not necessarily the most prestigious one, but the one where your child will thrive academically and personally. With thorough preparation and a clear understanding of what the IB stands for, you are well-equipped to make this crucial decision a successful one.

请记住，合适的IB学校不一定是最负盛名的，而是能让您的孩子在学业和个人方面都茁壮成长的那一所。通过充分的准备和对IB内涵的清晰理解，您已做好准备，使这一关键决策取得成功。

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A Comprehensive Guide to IB School Admissions | IB学校申请全面指南